When people think about who runs a Cub Scout Pack, they usually think of the Cubmaster. But in a healthy Pack, there should be a whole group of people working for the good of the youth. These people make up the Pack Committee.
Responsibilities of the Cub Scout Pack Committee
There must be a minimum of three adults on the committee. They must agree to the principles of the Boy Scouts of America. Members are selected by the chartered organization. The committee is responsible for a variety of tasks:
Regardless of the size of the pack committee, these responsibilities must be performed:
- Recruit new adult leaders, including the Cubmaster and one or more assistant Cubmasters. These leaders must be approved by the chartered organization.
- Provide a place for the Pack to meet.
- Serve as a link between the Pack and the chartered organization, making sure the Pack functions within the mission of the Boy Scouts of America and within the mission of the chartered organization.
- Make sure the Pack charter is renewed on time annually.
- Work with the Cubmaster to deliver a quality, year-round program to the youth and their families.
- Maintain a Pack treasury.
- Purchase equipment as necessary and maintain it.
- Encourage all adults in the Pack to obtain the appropriate training for their positions.
- Work with local Scouts BSA Troops, especially any troop under the same chartered organization, to provide a smooth transition for youth crossing from Cub Scouts to Scouts BSA.
The most efficient way for the committee to run is to assign specific tasks to specific members. A well organized committee makes the Cubmaster’s job much easier and ensures that a quality program is delivered to the youth.
What Does the Pack Trainer Do?
The main responsibility of the Pack Trainer is to ensure that the adults involved in the Pack are trained for their positions and are aware of supplemental training opportunities.
New Leader Orientation
A reader asks ” I am putting together a Leader Orientation for next year and was wondering what you would include, especially with the upcoming program changes.”
Conflicts with Unit Fundraising
The best way to handle possible conflicts between unit fundraisers is to talk it out.
Scout Recognition Certificate – Fill In Your Own Information
A while back John M sent in this Webelos Crossover certificate he had made to share with everyone. However, many readers have asked for an easy way to use this with their own unit, award, etc. Now we have it! I have taken what John sent and turned it into a certificate you can create with your own information. Since the you enter the information, you can use it for ranks, awards, merit badges, or whatever you like.
What Does the Pack Committee Chair Do?
A strong, involved Committee Chair really makes a difference to the Pack leaders and to the Pack program.
Building a Working Pack Committee
How can a Pack transition from a model where the Cubmaster does all of the work to one where the Pack Committee shares the load?
Nap on Safely Training
I hope all of you Scouters out there will be able to complete your Nap on Safely training before or during summer camp. The guidelines are listed in this article. (Spoof!)
What Does the Cubmaster Do?
In Cub Scouting, adults work together to deliver program to the youth members. One of the adult positions is the Cubmaster.
Den Meetings in a Very Small Pack
How do you run den meetings in a very small pack where there are only one or two Cub Scouts in each den?
What Can Be Done to Ensure That Unit Finances Are Handled Correctly?
A reader asks about unit finances: “My boys just joined or local pack in our area last August. This pack has like 60 kids. The 1st thing I noticed was that everything was very very unorganized, but I didn’t want to be one of those parents that gripes and does nothing. So I took a seat on the committee as the Fundraiser chair. Since doing that I have witnessed some things that are disturbing to me and I know cant be right….”
What Can Be Done to Ensure That Unit Finances Are Handled Correctly?
A reader asks about unit finances: “My boys just joined or local pack in our area last August. This pack has like 60 kids. The 1st thing I noticed was that everything was very very unorganized, but I didn’t want to be one of those parents that gripes and does nothing. So I took a seat on the committee as the Fundraiser chair. Since doing that I have witnessed some things that are disturbing to me and I know cant be right….”
Working With Large Cub Scout Packs
Barbara asked this question recently on the Facebook page: Just found your page and I’m anxious to poke through it. Anything on how to handle huge Packs? We currently have 88 registered Cubs and we’ll probably hit 100+ by the fall. I’ve just signed on as the committee chair and I want to help continue our legacy of crossing over enthusiastic Cubs into Scouts BSA. How do we keep boys from feeling lost in the shuffle?
What to Do when the Cub Scout Pack Won’t Pay for Awards
A reader asks what to do when a pack is folding and awards are not being paid for.
I just got handed pack treasurer position. I need some type of spreadsheet tht is easy to understand. Everything is a real mess right now. I don’t know where to start to get it straight. Once its straight I will be fine with everything. If anyone has any suggestions or advice at all, PLEASE Share with me>>>> I am desperate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
As a cubmaster who had to wear many hats my first two years, this was very helpful (http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/CubScouts/resources/packbudget.aspx). We still use it today.
I imagine Carla has found a solution to her problem by now, and I don’t have a really great answer for her, but I will share with this audience what our pack treasurer does. She built her own worksheet. She provides a print out to me once a month, so that I know how much money each of the boys in my den have in their personal accounts. Maybe she only does this in the spring time when we are trying to make enough money to go to camp, but that’s what she does.
I’m the treasurer for my pack, and I’ve tried so many different things since signing on in Aug. The spreadsheet we were given was confusing. I spent several hours loading into quickbooks only to find that non-profits does not align with my pro version. Scrapped that. Back to spreadsheets. The BSA provides the budget (referenced by another Amy here). But, nothing to track the financial activities of the pack and the scout accounts in relation to the budget. I have searched and tried, modified and quit on so many different spreadsheets. Not satisfied with any of them. Maybe being too picky, but this shouldn’t be this hard. Anyone have a functional spreadsheet they are willing to share? I would greatly appreciate it!
Hi there –
I am considering taking over a treasurer commitment for my son’s cub scout pack as the position is vacant now. Could anyone give me an idea of what is involved?
Link above is broken, but most of this can now be found here: https://www.scouting.org/programs/cub-scouts/pack-committee-resources/